preposition
inside a place, container, area, or object
The keys are in my bag.
Put the milk in the fridge.
Common phrases & grammar
in the house · in the car
be + in + place/container
put + object + in + place/container
American English
How to pronounce in
preposition · adverb · adjectiveA1Very common word
IHN
/ɪn/
One syllable.
inside a place, container, area, or object
What to listen for
“In” is usually pronounced /ɪn/ when you say it alone or at the end of a phrase. In natural connected speech, its vowel may be reduced and sound closer to /ən/.
Meanings & examples
preposition
during a particular month, year, season, or part of the day
We moved here in 2020.
I usually run in the morning.
Good to know
Use in for months, years, seasons, and parts of the day. Use at for exact clock times.
Common phrases & grammar
in the morning · in July
verb + in + month/year/season
verb + in + the morning/afternoon/evening
preposition
after a period of time has passed from now
The bus will arrive in ten minutes.
Dinner will be ready in an hour.
Good to know
Use in for the time before a future event. Use for for the length of an activity.
Common phrases & grammar
subject + will + verb + in + amount of time
subject + verb + in + amount of time
preposition
taking part in an activity or experiencing a situation
She is in a meeting.
He got in trouble at school.
Common phrases & grammar
in trouble
be + in + activity/situation
get + in + trouble
Useful expressions
in a position closer to the viewer than something else
The taxi is in front of the hotel.
early enough, before it is too late
We arrived in time for dinner.
used to give true or extra information
In fact, I have never been there.